Undermanned Illini hockey swept by league-leading Lindenwood

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The undermanned Illinois Hockey team didn't feel much love over the Valentine's weekend.

The Fighting Illini lost both games to CSCHL-leading Lindenwood on both Friday and Saturday night at the Illinois Ice Arena.

On Friday, Illinois fell behind 4-0 after two periods and a goal by Tim Gilbert in the final period was not enough as the Illini lost 4-1.

On Saturday, for the first time in nearly ten years, Illinois was shutout at home.

Goaltender DJ Kohler gave up four goals on 34 shots in a 4-0 loss.

The Lindenwood Lions were the unanimous No. 1 team in the CSCHL ranking and Illinois fell to No. 4.

The Illinois were missing five players: Pierce Butler, JJ Heredia, Jordan Pringle, Johnny Liang, and Brad Hoelzer. They are competing for the U.S National Team in the World University Games in Harbin, China.